Fact or Fiction: Cruz & Nicks in Pro Bowl?

The Giants.com staff gives you their opinion on if Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks will both make the Pro Bowl in 2013

Hakeem Nicks & Victor Cruz will both make the Pro Bowl in 2013MICHAEL EISEN: Fiction - Nothing against either of those talented receivers, but history is not on their side. Since Homer Jones was selected in 1968, only two Giants wide receivers have played in the Pro Bowl – Steve Smith in 2009 and Cruz last year. It’s hard to imagine that both Nicks and Cruz would be honored this year, especially when the NFC boasts such great receivers as Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Roddy White, Brandon Marshall and Dez Bryant. Several NFC receivers are going to have tremendous seasons and not get rewarded with a trip to Hawaii.

JOHN SCHMEELK: Fiction - Both players certainly have the talent, but with such a strong group of NFC wide receivers including Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Dez Bryant, Percy Harvin, Brandon Marshall, Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Marques Colston, Steve Smith, Vincent Jackson, and Anquan Boldin it will just be too tough. I believe only one will make it, even if both happen to be deserving.

DAN SALOMONE: Fact - If we’re including alternates who eventually make it in, I’m going to take the optimistic approach to this one because they are both of that caliber. Once you break in, it’s a little easier to repeat as long as you put up the numbers, which bodes well for Cruz. For Nicks, he hasn’t been able to make it 16 games in a season. But if he did in 2013, he and Cruz will make for a Pro-Bowl tandem. They both have the respect around the league.

One rookie will start more than three games in 2013MICHAEL EISEN: Fiction - I don’t know if he’ll earn a starting job in training camp, but I’m picking first round draft choice Justin Pugh to start a few games this season. It’s are for a starting offensive line to play an entire season intact. The Giants did it in 2007 and 2008, but one or two linemen usually suffer injuries that sideline then for at least a game or two. Pugh’s versatility will enable him to step in at both guard or tackle. I’m predicting he does that enough to start at least three games.

JOHN SCHMEELK: Fact - I think there is a good chance that both Justin Pugh and Johnathan Hankins start three or more games in 2013. Hankins might not play the majority of the snaps but due to his effectiveness against the run he could technically be the starter.

DAN SALOMONE: Fact - I think you look right to the first two picks – Justin Pugh and Johnathan Hankins. Aside from them earning lead roles, injuries, unfortunately, dictate starts just as greatly. Even Jayron Hosley, who didn’t necessarily have a breakout rookie campaign last year, started six games for the Giants in 2012.

The Giants will keep two kickers in 2013 (One for field goals, one for kickoffs)

MICHAEL EISEN: Fiction - Because they drafted Ryan Nassib, the Giants are likely to keep three quarterbacks on their active roster for the first time since 2007. That’s one less roster that Tom Coughlin is already sacrificing. I can’t see him making it two for someone who is only going to kick off. He’s going to need players at too many other positions.

JOHN SCHMEELK: Fiction - Both Josh Brown and David Buehler have big legs and should be able to do both kickoffs and field goals. Besides, with the possibility of keeping three quarterbacks, the Giants can’t afford to spend two spots on kickers.

DAN SALOMONE: Fiction - Roster spots are too valuable, and Tom Coughlin won’t use two on a job that can be done by one player, especially with the likelihood of keeping three quarterbacks this season. Field position is critical, but the margins between Josh Brown and David Buehler are too small to warrant giving them both spots on the team.

MICHAEL EISEN: Fact - Because a) he’s the Giants’ best safety, and b) the depth at cornerback is better than it was a year ago.

JOHN SCHMEELK: Fact - The Giants have enough good options at slot corner in Terrell Thomas, Aaron Ross and Jayron Hosley that Rolle should be able to play his natural safety position a lot more. That’s going to be a good thing for everyone.

DAN SALOMONE: Fact - This was the same conversation heading into last season because the Giants were seemingly deep enough in the secondary that Rolle could get back to his ball-hawking days. This year is slightly different, however, with more qualified candidates to fill the hybrid roles in the secondary, thus freeing up Rolle to play more traditional safety.SUGGESTED GIANTS.COM CONTENTREAD: More Fact or Fiction ArticlesMAILBAG: When will Strahan make HOF?WATCH: Linebacker Preview Report